DDC Controls

Course Overview

DDC system components, terminology and design options have created many challenges for engineers and facility operators. Open protocols have also increased customer expectations, but have added complexity to the planning and design process. If you plan, design or specify DDC systems, you will receive a comprehensive understanding of of current technologies and options.

Master direct digital control systems by learning how to:

Define your DDC requirements to control HVAC and related building systems

Identify the hardware and software elements that make up a DDC system

Evaluate the advantages and/or drawbacks of open systems (BACnet)

Plan for IT and cybersecurity concerns

Avoid common problems when controlling air handling units, VAV systems, central plants, and more

Who Should Attend?

Consulting, design, and energy engineers

Building owners, facility managers, and operating staff

Commissioning authorities

Contractors and building HVAC control service organizations

Technicians responsible for the design, acquisition or operation of environmental control systems in commercial, institutional, or industrial facilities

This course will give you a broad range of knowledge to understand the principles and technical concepts used by various manufacturers. This understanding is essential to acquire, implement, and operate a cost-effective system. While various manufacturers are discussed during the course, the course content is not specific to any vendor.

*Registration/check-in takes place Monday 7:30 to 8 AM. Lunch is included Monday through Thursday.

**Supplemental Content is included in course materials, but may or may not be presented during class based on time and attendee questions/requests.

Instructors

Steve Briggs

Steve Briggs, PhD, senior engineer, Facility Dynamics Engineering in Champaign, Illinois, has worked on the development of guide specifications for Open Building Automation Systems based on BACnet and LonWorks for the Corps of Engineers. He is also a consultant to the Army and General Services Administration (GSA). He brings a strong electrical engineering perspective to the area of direct digital control.

J Santos

Jay Santos, PE, president, Facility Dynamics Engineering, Columbia, Maryland, is a consulting engineer with more than 25 years of experience in HVAC system troubleshooting, modernization, and automation, he has served commercial, institutional, and industrial clients worldwide. He is a highly respected educator, having supported the HVAC continuing education programs of several major universities.

David Sellers

David Sellers, senior engineer. Facility Dynamics Engineering, Portland, Oregon, has more than 30 years of experience with commissioning, design engineering, facilities engineering, mechanical and control system contracting, and project engineering. His work spans a wide array of facilities, ranging from hospitals and semiconductor clean rooms to commercial office buildings and research/pilot projects in the energy efficiency and sustainability arena.

Joy Altwies

Joy Altwies, Ph.D., P.E., LEED AP+, is a program director for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Engineering Professional Development (EPD).

For over 15 years, Dr. Altwies has developed and taught continuing education courses emphasizing high-performance building design and construction, mechanical system design and operation, energy efficiency, and commissioning. She also develops and teaches graduate courses in the Master of Sustainable Systems Engineering (SSE) degree program.

Prior to joining the University, Joy worked as a consulting engineer focusing on green building projects and commissioning. She is an active member of ASHRAE and the US Green Building Council. Joy holds a Bachelor and Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering, and earned her Doctorate in Environment and Resources at UW-Madison. Her interdisciplinary research investigated the impact of building energy code policies on technology adoption in the commercial and residential building sectors.

Credit(s)

Schedule

Course Notes

The course materials will be provided in printable PDF format only, so please bring a laptop computer with a USB port. A pre-class digital download is available upon request – please contact the program director for details. Lined notepaper will also be provided to all attendees. Pre-printed notebooks of the course materials will not be provided.

Instructor(s)

Steve Briggs, J Santos, David Sellers

Discount(s)

Team Discount: $1705 per person when three or more enroll from the same employer

Lifelong Learner Discount: $1695 if you have completed two or more EPD courses since January 1, 2018. EPD will verify your attendance records.

Locations

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.